Expression of Interest - Commercial Extraction of Nickel from Radiologically Contaminated Nickel Ingots
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Special Notice / Expression of Interest (EOI) seeking industry input on operationally mature technologies for the commercial extraction of high-purity nickel from approximately 9,700 tons of radiologically contaminated nickel ingots. These ingots are located at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Kevil, KY. The goal is to produce nickel suitable for commercial release, potentially supporting national energy (e.g., grid-scale batteries, nuclear power) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives. Responses are due February 19, 2026.
Scope of Interest
DOE is interested in commercially mature metal refining technologies capable of selectively extracting elemental (pure) nickel from volumetrically contaminated ingots. The primary radiological contaminants include uranium, technetium, and other actinides. The extracted nickel must be of high purity, with residual contamination levels comparable to naturally occurring levels in commercially traded nickel. Technologies should be at a readiness level allowing deployment without significant research and development, and capable of processing hundreds to thousands of tons per year. Waste generated must meet the Waste Acceptance Criteria for DOE waste. The nickel ingots are unclassified.
Submission Requirements
Respondents are requested to submit a Technical Package detailing the proposed process, its maturity, product quality assurance, processing approach, production yield, and safety/hazard mitigation. An Economic/Market Package is also required, demonstrating the business case, economic feasibility, potential revenue generation, and market analysis. Questions and comments concerning this EOI must be submitted no later than 10 calendar days prior to the submittal date.
Key Details
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice / Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Department: Department of Energy (DOE)
- Response Due: February 19, 2026
- Published: January 22, 2026
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Place of Performance: Kevil, KY
Additional Information
Security clearances are not required for individuals working on this project. Offerors cannot use or retrofit existing buildings at the DOE Paducah Site; construction of a new process/technology facility should be assumed. Any processing facility is assumed to be vendor-owned and financed, potentially sited on or adjacent to DOE property. "Windshield tours" of the DOE Paducah Site can be arranged prior to the submittal date by contacting Zachary Boyarski (zachary.boyarski@pppo.gov). Foreign National access for site visits requires 90 days' prior notification. This EOI is voluntary and does not commit DOE to a future solicitation or contract award.